FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 27, 2004
Release # 05-026
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contacts: Nychelle Fleming, (301) 504-7063 or Kim Dulic, (301) 504-7058
CPSC Urges Safety for Halloween Trick-or-Treaters
WASHINGTON, D.C. – As Halloween approaches, the U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission (CPSC) is providing tips to prevent injuries to trick-or-treaters.
"We encourage everyone who celebrates Halloween to use our safety tips
to prevent injuries. Homemade costumes in particular can present a fire
hazard if not made with flame-resistant fabrics," said CPSC Chairman Hal
Stratton.
Consumers can make this year's holiday a safe one by following these
safety tips on costumes, treats and decorations.
Costumes
When purchasing costumes, masks, beards and wigs, look for flame-
resistant fabrics such as nylon or polyester, or look for the label
"Flame Resistant." Flame-resistant fabrics will resist burning and
should extinguish quickly. To minimize the risk of contact with candles
and other fire sources, avoid costumes made with flimsy materials and
outfits with big, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts.
Purchase or make costumes that are light, bright and clearly visible
to motorists.
For greater visibility during dusk and darkness, decorate or trim
costumes with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car's
headlights. Bags or sacks also should be light colored or decorated with
reflective tape. Reflective tape is usually available in hardware,
bicycle and sporting goods stores.
Children should carry flashlights to see and be seen.
Costumes should fit well and not drag on the ground to guard against
trips and falls.
Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes. Oversized high heels
are not a good idea.
Tie hats and scarves securely to prevent them from slipping over
children's eyes and obstructing vision.
If your child wears a mask, make sure it fits securely, provides
adequate ventilation, and has eye holes large enough to allow full
vision.
Swords, knives and similar costume accessories should be made of soft,
flexible materials.
Treats
Warn children not to eat any treats until an adult has examined them
carefully for evidence of tampering.
Carefully examine any toys or novelty items received by trick-or-
treaters under three years of age. Do not allow young children to have
any items that are small enough to present a choking hazard or that have
small parts or components that could separate during use and present a
choking hazard.
Decorations
Keep candles and jack-o'-lanterns away from landings and doorsteps
where costumes could brush against the flame.
Remove obstacles from lawns, steps and porches when expecting trick-
or-treaters.
Indoors, keep candles and jack-o'-lanterns away from curtains,
decorations and other combustibles that could catch fire. Do not leave
burning candles unattended.
Indoors or outside, use only lights that have been tested for safety
by a recognized testing laboratory. Check each set of lights, new or
old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose
connections. Discard damaged sets.